Gov. Paul LePage says all state offices are closing today at 3 p.m., as forecasters warn of a blizzard closing in that's expected to dump up to two feet of snow in some areas.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) _ Maine Gov. Paul LePage says all state offices are closing early as a snowstorm that's already dumped half-a-foot of snow around Portland and contributed to a 19-car pileup sweeps through the state.

Chris Legrow from the National Weather Service says a blizzard warning is issued Friday evening for the southern coast, when the main storm arrives. The forecast calls for up to 2 feet of snow and winds gusting to 50 mph.

LePage said state offices were closing at 3 p.m.

Snow was being blamed for a morning pileup involving 19 cars on I-295 in Cumberland.

State police spokesman Steve McCausland says it was caused when a car spun out, causing a six-car pileup. Eventually, another 13 vehicles crashed into each other. One person suffered non-life-threatening injuries.